Job Search Strategy: Staying on the alert for job leads

You might recall a recent column of mine where my advice on one aspect of the job search was clear: always be searching. The best time to scout for new opportunities to improve your career is when you have a job.

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By David Dirks

recordonline.com

By David Dirks

Posted Nov. 18, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By David Dirks
Posted Nov. 18, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

You might recall a recent column of mine where my advice on one aspect of the job search was clear: always be searching. The best time to scout for new opportunities to improve your career is when you have a job.

With companies hiring during one cycle and downsizing the next, why wouldn't you keep your search on? Much like politics today, the job search campaign never really ends. Sure, it might slow down, but it never ends.

The question is, how do you keep a job search campaign in low enough gear to remain productive in your current position? It's an important question, because you don't want to lose sight of the opportunity you have in the job you have now. Rather, you want to mostly keep your opportunity radar active enough to pick up on potential opportunities.

Here are a few simple but powerful ways to keep your job search sensors on:

-- Read the local and regional business sections of your paper. What new businesses are expanding or locating in the area? What might that mean to you? Do they hire people with your skills? Use this as a starting point to do some background research that could come in handy later.

--Most local papers have sections dedicated to people who have recently been promoted. Pay attention and read them all. Who might be a key contact for you? Sometimes a simple note of congratulations is a nice way to make an introduction for yourself. You never know where genuine outreach can lead.

--I say this all the time, but it's worth repeating: Every event is a networking event. Make the most of the opportunity to meet new people. Find out what they do, and make an effort to connect with them professionally, if appropriate.

--Don't let your LinkedIn profile lag just because you are comfy in your current position. Keep your profile updated and fresh. Find professional groups to join and use them as a starting point for continual networking. Help others along the way when they need it and you can help. Networking works both ways.

--If you read professional journals or magazines dedicated to your field (and you should), connect with authors of relevant articles that you've actually read. Don't be superficial here. If you genuinely thought the article was important, let the author know. Sometimes they list their email address or website for contact. Authors of magazine articles and books like to know their work is appreciated. If you can't find their contact info in the article, chances are you can find them through Google or LinkedIn.

I'm not advocating you consider leaving your current position. The point is to keep your opportunity radar sharp and always able to pick up key pieces of information or make contacts that could be valuable when the comfy days come to an end. It's a fool's game to think your current job is forever. Nothing is forever.

-- David Dirks is the author of "Job Search Marketing: Finding Job Opportunities in Any Economy." You can find more information on his job search strategies at jobsearchmarketing.net and by listening to his podcasts at blogtalkradio.com/jobsearchmarketing.